Allison and I did a one day group visit to a private school about 90 minutes from our house.  It is a great school and we were with other families with Juniors in High School checking out the Pharmacy program.  There were over 125 families from several states at this Saturday event. I thought it was very helpful and I really liked the school, the program and the way they embraced students.  There is an early application and we need to apply by first of November.  The program is very selective, however, when they talked about the perfect student Allie had all of the characteristics except actually working in a pharmacy.  That will be her next step to determine if the field is the right fit.  We sat with Financial Aid, that was interesting since I knew much of the general information that was given.  The total cost will be over $40K.  I was surprised how many parents did not seem to realize that before coming to the event.  The school does offer many good scholarships for students will Allie's GPA and test scores.  I sat and calculated that the cost after scholarship will be about $30K.  However, that is total cost including room and board.   If she is accepted in this program, we have some saved and she will be in a 6 year program.  I felt like the campus and the program would be a perfect fit for my youngest.  She says she will apply here but we have several other schools to check out.  This school has about 3000 students and the Pharmacy program has it's own department and Dean.  I really liked the feel of the campus (safe) and the small classrooms and commitment by the professors.  Of course, I know it has to be the best fit for Allison.  Her Dad and I will find a way to make the financials work and we will definitely have Federal and private loans.  We have also discussed borrowing from his 401K and we have a small annuity that we have been saving since we got married that will cover TWO years.   After my attending a private school after marriage and our oldest completing 5 years of state school, my beloved husband is getting used to sticker SHOCK.   This was the first visit and we have much more to do-- BIG decision.  It was nice to have all day with my talented daughter without other home distractions.  But WHAT does ALLIE think-- stay tuned she is posting her thoughts later tonight.